Acid test for improving Allegretto

Connections of Allegretto are hoping the filly can step up on her recent Haydock success in tomorrow’s Darley Yorkshire Oaks.

Michael Stoute’s three-year-old lifted the Lancashire Oaks last month, beating Local Spirit by three lengths in the 12-furlong Group Two.

Allegretto will be having a first attempt in Group One company at York, when she faces five rivals – including English and Irish Oaks victor Alexandrova.

“Obviously it is a tough ask for her but having won a Group Two, this was the logical step,” said Chris Richardson, managing director of owners Cheveley Park Stud.

“It’s probably a case of the more rain the better for her but I think she goes well on both good and good to soft ground.

“She seems to be quite progressive and the family seem to improve both with racing and age so hopefully she will go well.”